Heroic actions DO get noticed

You have received this e-mail because you are a friend of Creative Abandon. If you would prefer not to receive future issues, just click here. Thank you.

Welcome to everyone who is new to The Hero's Voice, the column which discusses real-world examples of the ideas outlined in our strategic brand process, The Hero's Quest. The Hero's Quest uses the hero metaphor to explore why companies are in business and how they stand out from the crowd in being a hero to their member or customer. To find out more, or to read previous Hero's Voice columns, just click on the links above.

Last issue we discussed the power of creating legends about your company. Most companies make the news because of unethical behavior -- it seems that misdeeds and bad news have become the norm in our media. However, I'm happy to report that several Creative Abandon clients have been in the news recently because of their positive actions!

Eastern New York FCU

ENY FCU was recently featured in the news for the launch of "The Dream Defenders," three superheroes who fight for "truth, justice, and a better way to save!" The superheroes are the brainchild of Chris Langley, CEO of the credit union. They're visual representation of ENY's strategy to be their members' financial advocate. As such, the superheroes battle "Dash Madison," the embodiment of the temptation, greed and instant gratification that can come between members and their financial dreams. Check out the characters -- and more importantly the concepts behind their actions -- at www.easternNYsaves.org.

Ohio HealthCare FCU

Issue 17 of The Hero's Voice covered the story of Bill Butler, the credit union CEO/president who "united the clans" and launched the Marching Miles for Miracle Kids fundraiser to benefit the Children's Miracle Network. The recent "march-a-thon" was a huge success, surpassing their first-year goal of $75,000 by raising $81,000. At the recent check-presenting ceremony by the Ohio Credit Union League, outgoing League chairman Doug Fecher said "Let me say that Bill Butler is awesome and our hero." Congrats Bill!

Wright-Patt CU and the Ohio Credit Union League

Although Doug Fecher's "day job" is president/CEO of Wright-Patt Credit Union, he recently stepped down from his second job as chairman of the Ohio Credit Union League. During his tenure with the League, Doug spearheaded the efforts to create a credit union alternative to "payday" lending called StretchPay. The StretchPay program helps credit unions cost-effectively offer members an affordable alternative to expensive commercial payday loans, keeping members out of the cycle of continuous borrowing at rates as high as 400% or more. Considering that this can potentially save a member $142 on a $500 loan, the impact is both significant and heroic!

Creative Abandon salutes our clients on their quest to be heroic. If you'd like help getting started on your own quest, creating your hero's suit, or developing the legends that are told about you, give us a jingle. We're ready to jump into action on your behalf!

Lisa and the Creative Abandon team